Free Upcoming Seminar: China’s Impact on the Development of Karate
Hey everyone, quick piece of news here. On November 5th I'll be conducting a seminar in conjunction with the Meiyo-do Southern Kung Fu School. This will be a free event open to practitioners of any style who are interesting in learning a little more about the connections between China and Okinawa in the early days of karate development. Read on for event details.
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Topic – China's Impact on Karate
It's well known that karate's development was a conglomeration of influences. Okinawa, being an important seaport and trading outpost, experienced a wide assortment of cultures and martial styles. Among all the influences the Okinawans experienced, China was the most significant. So much so that Kara-te originally meant Tang Hand, or China Hand.
China wasn't just important in a martial sense; the culture and philosophies of "The Great Ming" impacted Okinawa for generations. Extensive sharing between the cultures, both on the coasts of Fujian and in Kumemura village, caused shifts in almost every aspect of Okinawan living.
This seminar will discuss the rich history between China and Okinawa and how this relationship developed over time.
Seminar Format
The first half of the seminar will be a historical presentation. Information will be delivered along a timeline and relevant questions will be answered. Okinawa based questions will be answered by myself, China based question will be fielded by Meiyo-do owner Gary Choi.
The second half of the seminar will involve technical sharing. Sample techniques will be demonstrated and practiced by participants. Techniques will likely focus around those that are most relevant to the topic, such as Tsuru Te (crane hand).
Location and Time
This event will be held at Meiyo-do Dojo, a converted garage space attached to Mr. Choi's home. The address is:
1772 S Decatur st Denver, CO 802109.
Event time will be 6:30-9:00pm on November 5th.
For more information about the location and contact methods, visit the Meiyo-do website here.
Cost
There is no cost in attending the event. However, to thank Gary Choi for hosting I recommend offering a $10 donation to him in order to support his school and students.
How to Attend
If you are in the area and would like to attend, please RSVP using the button below. As mentioned, all styles are welcome and the format will be friendly and informational. In the RSVP please include your name, contact number, and if any students/friends will be coming along with you. Showing up without an RSVP is ok, but we would prefer to have a rough head count.
If the above button does not work for you, simply send an email to ikigai108@gmail.com. All the best and hope to see you there!
In Honor of Shimabukuro Masayuki (1948-2012)
The martial arts world has lost another luminary. Shimabukuro Masayuki, most well known for his strong leadership in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Swordsmanship, lost his battle for health and passed away in the month of September, 2012.
Shimabukuro Sensei will be missed by many. He was an influential instructor who produced many fine martial artists. He also affected a multitude of lives through his high quality books and DVDs. His martial arts experience was diverse and impressive yet he always held himself with an air of kindness and respect.
Shimabukuro Sensei's senior student, Carl Long, wrote this about Sensei's passing:
Dear friends and fellow martial artists,
It is with much regret that I extend to you all the tragic news of the passing of our honorable teacher Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi. He was the 21st-generation master of the Masaoka line of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido and a founding member of the North American Japan Masters Association. Our mentor and teacher transitioned from his life here with us on September 7, 2012, following a prolonged battle for his good health. The news of his passing will have a profound effect throughout the budo world, but even more so in the world of his family members and friends.
The immediate family will conduct services with appropriate ceremony for a man of such inspiration and humility. On behalf of the Shimabukuro family and JKI/KNBK members around the world, we would like to express our gratitude to our budo colleagues who sent their condolences. We know how much our teacher has touched our lives, and we understand the impact he has had on all those who were in his life.
Mr. Shimabukuro’s eyes were always the brightest when he was in the company of his budo family and colleagues. Our hearts will carry on his spirit for as long as we maintain his sincerity within our lives. He touched us all.
May each of us find peace and solace in his words and teachings. I wish you each a quiet moment of reflection and communion with your memories of a great man and all that he has bequeathed to you during his exceptional lifetime.
With bowed head and heavy heart,
Carl Long
Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai/JKI
Shimabukuro Sensei's Martial Arts Experience
Miura Takeyuki Hidefusa was perhaps the biggest influence in Shimabukuro Sensei's martial arts life, but there were others who helped along the way. Shimabukuro achieved high rank and influence not just in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu but in Shito Ryu Karate and Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu as well, not to mention his high proficiency in kobudo and Judo.
Watch this short video highlighting some of Shimabukuro Sensei's journey (video developed during Black Belt Magazines's 2006 Weapons Instructor of the year award):
In His Own Words
We are fortunate in that Shimabakuro Sensei recorded many of his lessons in book and DVD format. As such, we have a lasting record of his methods and skill. Furthermore, he made a conscientious effort to help his senior students grow, many of whom continue to pass on his teachings all around the world.
The following is a brief interview with Shimabukuro Sensei wherein he explains some of his theories on kenjutsu training. He also provides insight into why he decided to dedicate his life to Muira Sensei's iaido:
Our Best Wishes to Students, Family, and Friends
To the family and friends of Shimabukuro Sensei we offer our sincerest condolensces. To Sensei's senior students we offer our support and encouragement in continuing the old ways of Budo. Losing an honorable figurehead is never easy, but the goal of the arts is to carry on and so it will.
As a final note, please watch Shimabukuro Sensei perform his forms with the precision, clarity, and grace he was well known for:
IkigaiWay Moving to Colorado!
Thanks for dropping in! I've got some interesting news – IkigaiWay will be moving to Colorado. Actually…the website is staying right here but I will be moving.
This is a big change for me as I am a born and bred Pennsylvanian. I've visited Colorado multiple times, but planning the full time move has been a complex and educational process. Over the next two weeks I'll be packing up what remains of my belongings, driving out, and settling near the mountains in an area just south of Denver.
While I still love Pennsylvania (my immediate and martial families are here), opportunities for my significant other to attend grad school and work in her field are just too tempting to pass up. We'll head back east in 2-3 years, but for now we're westward bound.
The Martial Plan
One of the tricky (but exciting) things about this move is figuring out how I'm going to approach training and teaching. I plan on visiting a bunch of nearby schools just to get a sense of the local flavor and see what's happening. I'd also like to broaden my experience with arts I have little experience in (perhaps bjj, qigong, kung fu…who knows?).
I'll then have to decide if I want to start my own program fresh or work as an adjunct program with a nearby school. If I start my own program I'll be able to teach my full curriculum of Okinawa Kenpo Karate, Classical Kobudo, Toide, Swordsmanship, etc. If I work with a local school I can offer whatever doesn't interfere with their main program.
I'd also like to start up a series of seminars. Seminars are a great way to share pieces of information and cultivate cross exposure of styles and experiences. They're also not too difficult to execute and can range in size from multi-school events to single dojo visits.
The Curriculum
I've gotten to train with some great individuals over the years, and they've been generous with their knowledge. I've only extracted a small fraction during my time, but I'm still motivated to share the classical ways as much as I can. My curriculum will take shape pulling from the following material:
Te: Okinawa Kenpo karate, Motobu Udun Di concept, toide, practical kata application, classical kata, shizen te combat drills
Kobudo: rokushaku bo, tonfa, nunchaku, sai, tekkos, tinbe rochin, kuwa, kama, eiku, nunti
Weapons Conflict Forms: Bo vs Bo, Bo vs Tonfa, Bo vs Sai, Bo vs Kama, Bo vs Tinbe Rochin
Japanese Budo: Iai forms, sword vs kobudo, weapons fighting, budo mindset
Mental Aspects: Okinawan culture, mindset of learning, martial science vs martial art, martial arts writing, self defense awareness, wellness
Are You In The Area?
For most of you these little life updates are just for fun, but if you live in Colorado or one of the adjoining states we might be able to plan something cool together! Reach out and tell me about yourself and your school, and how I might help:
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Keep an eye out for more updates as the program evolves. I look forward to meeting some Western artists and contributing to the martial culture in whatever way I can.
